I just recently started exercising, I have found that when i started running and walking my calves and ankles

Question

start hurting. I always stretch. Is this normal. Is there a way of making it more comfortable for me.

Answer 1

You might need some time to build up the muscles, or you might have a problem, like plantar's fasciitis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_fasciitis) or muscle strain or flat feet.

Stretch, as you do. Then, try to ease into the exercise -- if you've been doing an hour, cut down to 30 minutes and add 5 minutes a day until you are up to an hour (or until you start hurting again -- in which case, you drop back five minutes and stay at the pain-free level for a few days before challenging yourself to longer/harder levels). After, you can take an aspirin (if aspirin works for you), and/or chill your feet in a tub of cool water.

I have PF, and the chilling thing works wonders! I keep a couple of soda bottles filled with ice, and roll my feet on them for 10 minutes after I walk a lot (or mow the lawn).

You are doing a great job of starting to exercise! Don't give up -- if none of this works, try walking in a swimming pool or another low-impact form. Your body will thank you for it later!

Answer 2

it might be the hard pavement. i have a really bad knee [[already have had surgery bc of sports]] and my doctor told me it was bad for it to run/ walk on hard pavements. believe it or not the actually street is softer on your joints than the sidewalk. if your working out at the gym try the elliptical its so much better for you in many different ways then the every day treadmill

if that doesnt work try finding better running shoes. with high arch support.

Answer 3

I have the same problem. I've been trying bananas and it seems to help ( the bananas have magnesium that helps with the aches).

Good Luck